Rhytidectomy, also known as rhytidoplasty or more commonly as a facelift, is the surgical procedure to reduce sagging and wrinkling face and neck skin. This can be done by redraping the skin of the face and neck, removing excess fat, and/or tightening the underlying muscles. Other procedures like forehead lifts, rhinoplasty or eyelid surgery are often performed in conjunction with a facelift to further resolve the effects of aging.

While procedures and techniques will vary from patient to patient and among surgeons, you can generally expect the following:facelift procedures typically last between two and four hours, though more extensive procedures may take longer and multiple procedures may require two separate sessions. Facelift surgery can be performed in an office, surgical center, or hospital. Outpatient procedures are more common and typically involve some combination of local anesthesia, mild sedative, and/or mild intravenous anesthesia, though inpatient procedure requiring a night or more in the hospital may be required, particularly when using general anesthesia or with patients with conditions requiring extra post-operative care.

Incisions are most typically placed within in the hairline and passing in front of and behind the ears. The surgeon may then remove fatty deposits and/or tighten sagging muscles before lifting the skin up, removing the excess, and suturing it into place. Following surgery, the entire area where the incisions have been made is typically protected with a dressing. This may include wrapping the head loosely in bandages, which helps to minimize bruising and swelling. In order to drain any blood that can form and collect, a small tube may be temporarily placed beneath the skin behind the ear.

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